• Ron Artest is an All-Star forward/guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. Artest was the center of controversy after a 2004 altercation involving the Indiana Pacers (his team at the time) and the Detroit Pistons. A brawl between the two teams escalated after Artest went into the stands to fight several fans.

  On July 8, 2009, Artest signed with the Los Angeles Lakers for 5 years (about $33 million). Los Angeles News. He will wear no 37 in honor of Michael Jackson. Jackson's "Thriller" album was No. 1 record for 37 straight weeks. ESPN.com: Artest signs 5-year deal with L.A.

• Fast Facts

  1. Born: November 13, 1979
  2. Birthplace: Queensbridge, Queens, New York
  3. Height: 6'7"
  4. Weight: 248 lbs
  5. Jersey: 37
  6. College: St. John's University
  7. 1999: 16th NBA Draft Pick
  8. 2004 NBA Defensive Player of the Year
  9. Served 73-game suspension during 2004-05 season

• NBA Career

  Artest was drafted by the Chicago Bulls with the 16th overall pick in 1999. In 2002, he was traded to the Indiana Pacers, where he was voted the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year after the 2003-04 season. The Pacers were a favorite to win the NBA championship at the start of the 2004-05 season before the brawl with the Detroit Pistons. Artest was traded to the Sacramento Kings in January of 2006.

  On July 29, 2008, reports stated that Artest had been traded to the Houston Rockets for Bobby Jackson.ESPN.com: Rockets agree to send pick, Greene, Jackson to Kings for Artest (July 29, 2008)

  On July 8, 2009, Artest has reached an agreement with the Los Angeles Lakers on a five-year deal for $33 million.ESPN.com: Artest signs 5-year deal with L.A.

• Pacers-Pistons Brawl

  During a game between the Pacers and Pistons on November 19, 2004, Artest committed a hard foul on Pistons forward Ben Wallace. Wallace shoved Artest which led to an altercation. Artest would lay down on the scorer's table while officials sorted things out. A Piston's fan then threw a cup of beer at Artest, causing him to rush into the stands to confront the fan he thought did it. A brawl ensued between fans and Pacers players, lasting several minutes. Artest was suspended the remainder of the season (73 games) as well as any and all playoff games.

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Sacramento Kings | Indiana Pacers | Chicago Bulls | Ben Wallace | Mike Bibby | Dennis Rodman | National Basketball Association | Detroit Pistons | Los Angeles Lakers | Quincy Douby | Rockets Suns Fight | Ernest Provetti | Los Angeles News

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